CES - Wi-Fi body to simplify security setup

The group that certifies Wi-Fi products aims to make more wireless LANs secure by taking some of the work out of locking them down.

The Wi-Fi Alliance announced at the International Consumer Electronics Show its WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) specification, which lays out an easier process for setting up a secure wireless LAN. The group also revealed the first devices certified under WPS, though it will take a few more months for consumer products to reach store shelves.

Wi-Fi security had greatly improved since home users first embraced wireless LANs a few years ago, but most consumers still didn't use the available tools because they were too hard to set up, managing director of the Wi-Fi Alliance, Frank Hanzlik, said.

WPS cut the number of steps required to secure a new network, he said.

Although vendors have been selling their own simplified security systems, they want a standard technology that accesses points and devices from all vendors can use, according to Hanzlik.

Wireless LAN security systems, including the current Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) standard, encrypt traffic and require user authentication to get on the network. Traditionally, when consumers set up new wireless LANs, they have to set a network name and a pass phrase for the access point, then select the name and enter the pass phrase on every new device as they add it to the network.

With WPS, the access point automatically generates a network name. Consumers can add clients to the secure network by either entering a personal identification number (PIN) of four or eight digits or pushing special buttons built in to the access point and client. Later this year, the Wi-Fi Alliance will start certifying products that use near-field communication, in which users simply touch a token or card to the new device.

The new standard would help but wouldn't make all new LANs secure, Gartner analyst, Ken Dulaney, said.

"A lot of consumers will just leave the security off like they do today, but if you want security, this is a lot easier than the current process," Dulaney said.

Today, setting up security is especially hard with devices that don't have a PC interface, such as printers and cameras. Entering a PIN on those clients using a small display and a navigation pad would be much easier than the current process, he said.

Security was the top concern of Wi-Fi users surveyed in 2006, but only 60 per cent secured their networks, according to JupiterResearch analyst, Ina Sebastian. The main reason they gave for not doing so was uncertainty about the technology.

Easy security setup would become even more important as consumers start adding more entertainment devices to their LANs, because many wireless entertainment users were concerned about eavesdropping, she said.

The first certified products would largely be reference designs for manufacturers, Hanzlik said.

The first wave of consumer products, which will carry a special logo in addition to the standard Wi-Fi insignia, would probably hit the market around June, he said.

The screen was particularly good. It is bright and visible from most angles, however heat is an issue, particularly around the Windows button on the front, and on the back where the battery housing is located.

My first impression after unboxing the Q702 is that it is a nice looking unit. Styling is somewhat minimalist but very effective. The tablet part, once detached, has a nice weight, and no buttons or switches are located in awkward or intrusive positions.

Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of IDG Communications is prohibited. Copyright 2013 IDG Communications.
ABN 14 001 592 650. All rights reserved.

Contact Us

With over 25 years of brand awareness and credibility, Good Gear Guide (formerly PC World Australia), consistently delivers editorial excellence through award-winning content and trusted product reviews.